An experimental program is discussed wherein fresh cadavera and anthropometric test devices (ATD) were exposed to identical crash situations utilizing both belt and air cushion restraint systems. Results will include symmetric and one-half offset frontal full size car-to-car tests conducted on the Calspan Vehicle Experimental Research Facility (VERF) at 60 MPH closing speed. Data obtained include head and chest triaxial accelerations from externally located sensors and thoracic accelerations from implanted sensors on the cadavera, normally measured internal triaxial head and chest accelerations and femur loads on the ATDs and belt loads for both cadavera and ATDs.
Osteologic data allows comparison between the cadavera regarding their relative skeletal quality.
Results of the study allow comparisons of the restraint systems effectiveness with respect to cadaver vs. cadaver and cadaver vs. ATD based upon autopsy evaluations and acceleration measurements.
This study was supported by the DOT/NHTSA under Contract Nos. DOT-HS-5-01017 and DOT-HS-6-01470, prior to 16 November 1977.
NOTE 1: The views, findings and opinions reflected in this paper are those of Calspan Corporation and do not necessarily reflect the official views of the Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
NOTE 2: The work reported herein, with respect to cadavera, conforms to the guidelines of the American Association of Physical Anthropologists (1975), “Resolution Concerning Ethical Position on the Use of Human Bodies in Research.”